Trouble seems to happen in seven year cycles in the kingdom and seven years ago Farren's mother died of plague as did the queen. Now Princess Mericia of Ailsandia is going to take her mother's place and rule the island. Do the shades mean there is going to be another plague? Farren can't let his brother's girlfriend go into trouble alone and he finds that he is drawn to the princess. Something is not right. Farren doesn't know what is wrong but he seems to be the only one who can deal with the shades. So, Farren sets out with the court on their travels.

The story moves along. The characters are multi-dimensional and well developed. There's a lot of humor, interpersonal misunderstandings and confusion, and lots of intrigue. It's an easy read with enough twists and turns to keep you interested. Certainly, this is a writer to watch.